1988 Maserati 420 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1988 Maserati 420 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1988 Maserati 420.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Maserati 420 (259 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Maserati 420 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Maserati | Volvo |
| Model | 420 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2660 mm |
